Best German Chocolate Cake Recipe That’s Easy to Make

I love baking, and the first time I tried German chocolate cake recipe was unforgettable. The moist chocolate and the creamy coconut-pecan frosting were amazing. It made me want to make it myself.

If you love baking and German chocolate cake, you’re in the right spot. This guide will show you how to make the best German chocolate cake. It’s easy and will impress everyone. Get ready for a dessert that will get a standing ovation!

The History Behind Traditional German Chocolate Cake

The german dessert known as German chocolate cake is actually from America, not Germany. It started in 1957 when a Texas homemaker shared her German Chocolate Cake recipe in The Dallas Morning News. This recipe quickly became a favorite classic desserts in the United States.

Why It’s Called German Chocolate

The name “German chocolate cake” is misleading. It’s named after Samuel German, who made a sweet baking chocolate in 1852. This chocolate, known as “German’s Sweet Chocolate,” was key in the original recipe. Over time, the name changed to just “German Chocolate Cake.”

Key Recipe Details

Calories: ~450 kcal per slice

Serving Size: 12 slices

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Dish Type: Dessert

“The cake gained popularity through a recipe in The Dallas Morning News, although over time, the apostrophe ‘s’ in ‘German’s’ was lost, leading to the misconception that the dessert was German.”

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.

2. Bake the Cakes

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10–12 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut and pecans. Let cool to room temperature.

4. Optional Chocolate Frosting (if desired)

1. Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk, until smooth and fluffy.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more milk, a teaspoon at a time.

5. Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of coconut-pecan frosting over the top.
2. Repeat with the second layer. For the top layer, spread the remaining coconut-pecan frosting evenly.
3. If using chocolate frosting, spread it between the layers and on the sides of the cake for a polished finish.

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Tips for Success

Enhance the Chocolate Flavor: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter to deepen the chocolate taste.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.

Even Layers: Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers if needed for a neat assembly.

Cooling is Key: Always let the frosting cool before spreading to avoid a runny mess.

Baker’s German Sweet Chocolate vs Regular Chocolate

While regular chocolate works, the real deal is Baker’s German’s sweet chocolate. It has a unique flavor with notes of coconut and caramel. This flavor complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Choosing the right ingredients and using them correctly will help you make an incredible German Chocolate Cake. It will surely impress your family and friends.

Recipe Details and Preparation Overview

Making the perfect German chocolate cake needs focus and the right baking skills. It has a moist chocolate base, a creamy coconut-pecan filling, and a rich chocolate buttercream frosting.

The recipe has three parts: baking the cake, making the coconut-pecan frosting, and the chocolate buttercream. It takes 55-65 minutes to prepare and makes 12 servings. It’s a great challenge for both new and experienced bakers.

Cake Preparation

To make the cake, you mix dry ingredients like flour, cocoa, and baking soda with wet ingredients like buttermilk, hot water, and egg yolks and whites. The batter is split into three pans and baked at 350°F for 22-30 minutes. This makes a moist and tasty chocolate cake base.

Coconut-Pecan Frosting

• The coconut-pecan frosting is cooked on the stovetop. It uses egg yolks, evaporated milk, butter, sugar, and coconut and pecans.
• This creamy, nutty filling is spread between the cake layers. It adds a nice texture contrast.

Chocolate Buttercream

To finish the cake, a smooth chocolate buttercream is made. It’s made by beating butter, powdered sugar, and melted German sweet chocolate. This frosting coats the cake sides, adding a rich touch.

With the right baking techniques, cake decorating, and ingredients, this layered cake recipe is unforgettable. It promises a delicious German chocolate cake experience.

“This German chocolate cake recipe is a true labor of love, but the end result is worth every minute of preparation. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy coconut-pecan filling, and silky chocolate buttercream is simply divine.”

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your German Chocolate Cake at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

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Key Takeaways

Customizable: Add chocolate frosting for an extra layer of indulgence

Rich Layers: Moist chocolate cake layers paired with the nutty, caramel-like coconut-pecan frosting.

Versatile: Great for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings.